Dublin's Connolly to start for Dubs

Diarmuid Connolly has recovered in time for tomorrow's Allianz Football League Division 1 match against Mayo at Croke Park (throw-in 7pm).

Connolly made an earlier than expected return to full training this week, having sustained an ankle injury during the Dubs' recent win over Kerry in Killarney.

The St. Vincent's is fit to start at full forward for Jim Gavin's men, with Darragh Nelson, an Under-21 All-Ireland winner in 2010, and Declan O'Mahony also earning starting berths.

Nelson will line out at wing back, taking the defensive spot vacated by Rory O'Carroll who is playing Fitzgibbon Cup hurling with UCD today with the potential for another outing with the students tomorrow.

Michael Darragh Macauley is suspended due to the straight red card dished out to him during the Kerry game. That means Ballyboden St. Enda's clubman O'Mahony will pair up with Kilmacud's Cian O'Sullivan in midfield.

Kevin O'Brien has made the switch to full-back with Darren Daly from Fingal Ravens listed in the right corner. Connolly joins the in-form Bernard Brogan and Paddy Andrews in the full-forward line, and Tomás Brady is pencilled in at centre forward.

The experienced Denis Bastick, Kevin McManamon and Bryan Cullen are among the substitutes available to Gavin, while Castleknock teenager Ciarán Kilkenny is also hoping to make his return in a Dublin senior shirt.

The 19-year-old starred with a haul of 2-10 in the Dublin Under-21s' Leinster Championship hammering of Carlow last month. That was his first appearance for the county since his decision not to pursue an Australian Rules football career with Hawthorn.